Tropical Granola with Seeds – A Healthy, Homemade Breakfast Treat
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
If you’re looking for a quick and nutritious breakfast or a delicious snack that’s both flavorful and economical, this Tropical Granola with Seeds is an absolute winner. A combination of hearty oats, nutritious seeds, tropical dried fruits, and a touch of natural sweetness, this granola is as delicious as it is healthy. It’s perfect for a busy morning or as an afternoon snack. Plus, making granola at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring you’re getting all the benefits without the added preservatives or artificial sweeteners found in store-bought versions.
The best part? This recipe is easy to make, and the ingredients are affordable, especially when bought in bulk. It’s a high-fiber, protein-packed treat that will keep you full and satisfied for hours. The slightly toasted crunch combined with the chewy tropical fruit and rich seeds makes this granola irresistible – even my brother-in-law can’t stop snacking on it!
Tropical Granola with Seeds Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Old-fashioned oats | 4 cups |
| Whole wheat flour | 1/4 cup |
| Sesame seeds | 1/2 cup |
| Sunflower seeds | 1/4 cup |
| Flax seed | 1/2 cup |
| Shredded coconut | 1 cup |
| Dried papaya, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/2 cup |
| Honey | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390.8 kcal |
| Fat | 21.9g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 66.8mg |
| Carbohydrates | 42.7g |
| Fiber | 6.8g |
| Sugar | 15.2g |
| Protein | 9.7g |
Instructions for Making Tropical Granola with Seeds
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This will allow your granola to bake evenly and reach the perfect golden-brown crispiness.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, whole wheat flour, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seed, and shredded coconut. This forms the hearty base of your granola and provides a boost of healthy fats and fiber.
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Prepare the Tropical Fruit: In another bowl, chop up the dried papaya into small pieces. Add the papaya along with any other dried tropical fruits you like, such as dried pineapple or mango, and mix them together. The fruit adds a chewy, natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crunchy oats.
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Make the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the extra virgin olive oil, honey, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until everything dissolves and forms a smooth syrup. This step creates the sticky coating that holds everything together and gives the granola its slight caramelized sweetness.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the warm syrup over the dry oat mixture. Using a large spoon, stir everything together thoroughly. Be sure to coat all of the dry ingredients with the syrup. Smash everything together gently to help the oats clump together in a granola-like texture.
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Add the Fruit: Stir in the chopped tropical fruit mixture. This adds a burst of flavor and a chewy texture that balances out the crunch of the oats and seeds.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Divide the granola mixture in half. Place half of it into an ungreased 9×13-inch glass baking dish. Spread the mixture out evenly, but don’t pack it tightly into the pan. If you have two 9×13-inch pans, you can bake them at the same time, reducing the overall baking time.
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Bake the Granola: Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake the granola at 300°F for 35 minutes. After that, increase the oven temperature to 325°F and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. This slight temperature increase helps the granola become perfectly crispy and golden without burning.
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Stir Once: When the granola comes out of the oven, give it a gentle stir. Be careful not to break up the large clumps, as these clumps are what make this granola so deliciously crunchy.
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Cool Completely: Allow the granola to cool completely in the pan. This is crucial – don’t try to remove it while it’s still warm, as it may crumble. The granola will harden as it cools, forming delicious clusters.
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Storage: Once cooled, store the granola in an airtight container or zip-lock bags. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for several months.
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Serve: Enjoy your tropical granola as a breakfast cereal with milk, or simply grab a handful for a healthy snack. You can also sprinkle it over yogurt for an extra boost of flavor and texture.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Tropical Granola
- Customize Your Fruit: Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits. Mango, pineapple, and papaya are tropical classics, but dried bananas, cherries, or apricots also work beautifully in this recipe.
- Add Nuts: If you want to boost the protein content even more, consider adding almonds, walnuts, or cashews to your granola mix. Simply chop them up and add them along with the seeds.
- Crispy Clumps: To get those big, crunchy clumps of granola, avoid stirring the mixture too much during baking. Let it form larger clusters, and only stir it once when it’s done baking to avoid breaking them apart.
- Sweetness Level: The sweetness of this granola comes primarily from the honey and brown sugar. If you prefer a less sweet granola, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Tropical Granola with Seeds is a perfect blend of health, flavor, and convenience. The combination of whole grains, seeds, and tropical fruit makes it a great addition to your breakfast routine or a tasty, on-the-go snack. Not only does it offer a nutritious start to your day, but it’s also a great way to save money by making your own snacks at home.
Give this recipe a try – it’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
